Chat with David Newton

Welcome to SportsNation! On Thursday, ESPN.com NASCAR reporter David Newton will stop by to talk about all the latest news and notes from the track.

Newton covers motorsports for ESPN.com after a career covering the NFL, college athletics and NASCAR. Newton previously worked for NASCAR.com and covered NASCAR and the Carolina Panthers for South Carolina's largest newspaper, The State, in Columbia. He has also served as a correspondent for Sports Illustrated, covered seven Super Bowls, dozens of college bowl games and every major race on the NASCAR circuit.

David Newton

(1:07 PM)

Steve (HI)

Newt, Correct me if Im wrong but was'nt the Hall of Fame having a hard time staying afloat due to low attendance?

David Newton

(1:08 PM)

It was, and still is. The Democratic Convention helped a good bit, though. The Hall hosted tons of parties and events to help deal with some of the issues. It's a great venue. You should go if you're in town.

Dave (WI)

I'm excited to see drafting again at Daytona instead of 2 average cars bumping their way past faster cars, your thoughts?

David Newton

(1:10 PM)

Well, it pretty much was pack racing last year until the end. NASCAR worked hard to make the cars overheat if they stayed hooked together very long. I'm still not ocnvinced teams won't find a way to tandem draft with the new car. They haven't had much practice at it and if there's a way to go faster they will try it.

Dean (Springvale Me.)

Hi Dave, so what will happen if Gordon, Bowyer line up close to one another and have they been warned

David Newton

(1:12 PM)

My guess is nothing, particularly at Daytona. Both want to be in the Chase hunt again and know that a fast start to the season helps. No need to wreck each other at this point.

Danica Patrick (Scottsdale AZ)

I have a bone to pick with you Mr. David Newton, how come you said I will not win a Sprint Cup Race this year? Well you are wrong I will win in NASCAR this year and make you eat them words.

David Newton

(1:12 PM)

You win, I'll eat the words.

Ron (Austin TX)

David, Brad K is a JERK for what he said about Danica and Ricky Stenhouse Jr breaking up someday. They will never ever break up Brad K is just upset cause Danica has had more boyfriends then he has girlfriends. The reason no woman wants to date Brad K is cause is ugly and his gums on his face are messed up.

David Newton

(1:14 PM)

C'mon. He said that in jest. He was having fun and showing personality like you want the driver to do, right?

Michael S. (Edinboro University of Pennsylvania)

With all of the hype about the "Gen 6" car, which driver do you think benefits the most from the change?

David Newton

(1:15 PM)

Hype is right. Too much if you ask me. They are setting themselves up for disappointment. To answer your question, Jeff Gordon. He never quite felt comfortable in the old car and I believe you'll see the old Gordon resurface and win multiple races. Dale Earnhardt Jr. should benefit as well.

David Fuller (Syracuse, NY)

Will NASCAR do something about the absurd cost of sponsorship before everyone is sponsor-less?

David Newton

(1:17 PM)

NASCAR has tried to cut costs the last few years by limiting testing and other things. This new car will cost a bit more to build initially because the carbon fiber parts are more expensive than sheet metal from what I'm told. As for sponsorships, teams can accept less and make less overall. Not sure there's much NASCAR can do to help that.

Jake (Las Vegas)

When does Brant James come out with an apology column for putting out incorrect information about Danica driving for Turner-Scott Motorsports?

David Newton

(1:18 PM)

Still time left to get something done. I know when he wrote it they were moving in the direction he wrote.

Wes (Indy)

Who do you see in the 2014 Nascar HOF class?

David Newton

(1:20 PM)

Definitely believe Fireball Roberts should go in. Tim Flock, too. Of those living on the list left over from the 2013 class Rick Hendrick has the best credentials. But my preference would be to see some of the old timers that made the sport what it is get in.

Sandy (NY)

Harvick moves to SHR, does Bud go with him? Will their decision be based on his performance or SHR's performance?

David Newton

(1:21 PM)

It's looking like that. That Richard Childress said Budweiser has not given him any indication sounds like a sign the sponsor is out the door. I still say a young driver like Austin Dillon, particularly if RC would deliver the No. 3, would be pretty attractive for Bud.

Eric (Tampa, FL)

If Danica wins a Nationwide race this year will you eat your words?

David Newton

(1:22 PM)

I don't believe I said she wouldn't win a Nationwide race this year, but until she announces a part-time ride I'm pretty safe. At this point, the ride she gets likely won't be as good as she had last year at JRM, so winning might be tough either way.

David Newton

(1:22 PM)

I don't believe I said she wouldn't win a Nationwide race this year, but until she announces a part-time ride I'm pretty safe. At this point, the ride she gets likely won't be as good as she had last year at JRM, so winning might be tough either way.

David Newton

(1:25 PM)

The hoods and decklids for sure. I'm going to NASCAR school today at the R

Billy (MS)

Which sheet metal components have been replaced with carbon fiber composites? Thanks.

David Newton

(1:25 PM)

Sorry. Question didn't post before the answer did.

Hyde (Houston, TX)

Ever tried Junior Johnson's moonshine ? Wish I could find it in TX.

David Newton

(1:27 PM)

I have. Potent stuff, but maybe not as potent as what he made back in the day. You'll have to ask our Ed Hinton about that. Guessing he's tried it as well. I googled Junior Johnson moonshine and I came up with a site that said "shipped right to your door." Give that a try.

Jamerson (Georgia)

Do you think most fans only want the drivers to show personality until they actually start showing personality?

Steve (Da Big Island)

Do you think the repairs to the carbon fiber parts of the will have a big impact on the teams. ie: it seems to crack and not just bend?

David Newton

(1:28 PM)

Think I get what you mean. I might insert NASCAR where you said "most fans." I believe fans in general like it when drivers show their personalities, no matter what.

David Newton

(1:30 PM)

Having a few issues with net. Again the question and answer didn't match up. To Steve's question on teams fixing carbon fiber, one of the reasons NASCAR went to it was to ensure teams didn't tweak (bend) the pieces for a competitive advantage. Can't do that with the carbon fiber. The question is will it create issues when there's a big wreck.

frank (kingston, pa)

Any rumors on lowes renewing with the 48 team

David Newton

(1:31 PM)

Plenty of rumors on that. I heard a few years ago Lowes might not continue past its current contract, which I thought ran concurrent with Johnson's deal through 2015. May be wrong on that, but plan to check in Daytona.

Adam (Dallas TX)

If Danica was to break up with RSJ do you think I could marry her? By the way do you have her Cell Phone #?

David Newton

(1:32 PM)

You'd have to ask. Never know.

Brian (Long Island, NY)

If they make track changes to the chase next year what could you see them possibly doing ?

David Newton

(1:33 PM)

Mike Helton was pretty adamant on Tuesday that nothing major, particularly in regards to a road course that I'd like to see make the playoff. The issue is tracks start selling tickets a year in advance. Many of the customers have grown accustomed to a paricular race weekend and the tracks don't want to change. So it's not just a matter that NASCAR doesn't want to change the tracks.

David Newton

(1:33 PM)

Mike Helton was pretty adamant on Tuesday that nothing major, particularly in regards to a road course that I'd like to see make the playoff. The issue is tracks start selling tickets a year in advance. Many of the customers have grown accustomed to a paricular race weekend and the tracks don't want to change. So it's not just a matter that NASCAR doesn't want to change the tracks.

ryan (wi)

Both Smoke and JR have races to fill. Is that a result of the economy or the sports health?

David Newton

(1:35 PM)

Both. And the issue with Junior is slightly different. They have sponsors that want on the car, but some want a larger part than HMS can deliver, some don't want to spend the money HMS might want, etc. Hendrick seemed pretty confident during the media tour that he'd have a deal before the season's out that would give Earnhardt security beyond 2013.

David Newton

(1:35 PM)

Both. And the issue with Junior is slightly different. They have sponsors that want on the car, but some want a larger part than HMS can deliver, some don't want to spend the money HMS might want, etc. Hendrick seemed pretty confident during the media tour that he'd have a deal before the season's out that would give Earnhardt security beyond 2013.

Carl (PA)

Who's your favorite to win the Daytona 500? Sprint Cup title this season?

David Newton

(1:36 PM)

Both. And the issue with Junior is slightly different. They have sponsors that want on the car, but some want a larger part than HMS can deliver, some don't want to spend the money HMS might want, etc. Hendrick seemed pretty confident during the media tour that he'd have a deal before the season's out that would give Earnhardt security beyond 2013.

David Newton

(1:36 PM)

I'll stick with Matt Kenseth on the title and I'll go with Dale Earnhardt Jr. on the 500. Not huge risks picking either.

wally (cincinnati)

Is this the "last" car of tomorrow?? and with the new car, do you think is gonna be a wreck fest at daytona?

David Newton

(1:38 PM)

Not sure what the first part of the question means. The COT is done. Over. And there is potential for a wreckfest with the new car if they are as uncomfortable trying to hook up at 200 mph as drivers say. Or it could encourage drivers to play it safe until the end. I imagine it'll be somewhere in between.

Dean (Springvale Me.)

Do these parts come made or can chad make them himself ha ha.

David Newton

(1:38 PM)

They come made.

Matt (Rochester, NY)

What is it about the COT that Dale Jr. and Gordon did not seem to like? A feel in the car or how loose it seemed to be? Who will this new car affect in a negative manner? Biffle perhaps?

David Newton

(1:39 PM)

It was a feel. The heavier car forced Goodyear to use harder tires, which never gave either a good fit where their rearend meets the road. The new car is 1500 pounds lighter, so Goodyear can go back to a softer tire. Makes the cars easier to drive according to some drivers.

Joe (St. Paul)

Do you see Iowa getting a Cup race any time soon?

David Newton

(1:40 PM)

I'd like to see it. Anytime you can add a short track to the schedule it's good for the sport. Funny, I was talking to a NASCAR exec the other day that said they used to hate short track racing and love the 1.5 mile tracks. Now they love the short tracks more.

Billy (MS)

Your opinion on the race at Bristol after the last changes to the width of the track? Thanks.

David Newton

(1:41 PM)

Still not the way old Bristol was, but better.

Carl (PA)

If those high heels that Danica wore and you took that picture and put it on your article is on EBay, would you buy that, no matter how much it costs?

David Newton

(1:42 PM)

No.

Adam (Sidney)

DANICA IS THE SEXIEST WOMAN ALIVE PERIOD!!!

David Newton

(1:42 PM)

Enough of Danica

Matt (Rochester, NY)

as far as the smoke and Jr. thing, it is all about branding. If people think Junior or Smoke could not fill those races right now they are crazy. They want a brand, so Hendrick and Junior can sell a boat load of t-shirts and hats etc...

David Newton

(1:43 PM)

Brand does figure into it, and in one case I left out there are certain sponsors who can't be on the car because they can't be associated with existing sponsors. Example, Coke couldn't be on a car with Pepsi.

Chad Zimmerman (Hillsboro, IL)

What team do you think will best adjust to the Gen. 6?

David Newton

(1:44 PM)

Hendrick.

Chad Zimmerman (Hillsboro, IL)

How do you think Larson will do in Natiowide, the kid can flat drive anything!

David Newton

(1:44 PM)

It would be good for the sport and the diversity program if he won right away. He'll have decent equipment, so well see.

Michael S. (Edinboro University of PA)

I think what Wally meant was: will there be another major change to the car? i.e. the COT to the Gen 6, the Gen 4 to the COT, etc.

David Newton

(1:45 PM)

Let's get one Gen car out of the way before we start thinking of Gen 7.

Chad Zimmerman (Hillsboro, IL)

Whats your favorite Gen. 6 car? I really like how the Chevys look!

David Newton

(1:45 PM)

Kind of torn. Like the front end of the Ford best but the side of the Chevy best.

wally (cincinnati)

im takin matt kensith and rowdy bush on my fantasy team at daytona, do you think thats wise?

David Newton

(1:45 PM)

Good picks. Kyle is due to win the 500.

Dave (Chicago)

Hey do you know who created The Orange Cone account on Twitter? Cause a real person had to create the account.

David Newton

(1:46 PM)

Have a pretty good idea. He has a lot of knowledge on the industry, so he's been around the track once or twice.

Chad Zimmerman (Hillsboro, IL)

I really feel like the Nationwide has a lot of good players this year. How do you feel about the series this year?

David Newton

(1:47 PM)

Most I've looked forward to that series in a long time. Five or so legitimate threats to win the title.

Dave (Chicago)

How come all the NASCAR Tracks do not have lights?

David Newton

(1:47 PM)

Money.

Scott (Charlotte)

I believe you meant 150lbs lighter not 1500lb. That would make it the weight on a Indycar

David Newton

(1:48 PM)

Yep. Was multi tasking and hit an extra zero. Thanks for catching that. 1500 would be huge.

Jamerson (Georgia)

Do you think that the advent of the new Sprint Cup car will have a negative effect on the performance of younger drivers like Brad Keselowski and Joey Logano? We keep hearing that the "Gen 6" car drives more like the 2004-2006 era Cup car, and BK and Joey really don't have experience in that older car to fall back on.

David Newton

(1:49 PM)

Not at all. In general, good drivers and good teams remain good no matter what the car.

Chad Zimmerman (Hillsboro, IL)

How do you feel about the 3 coming back into Cup?

David Newton

(1:49 PM)

Love to see it happen. Long overdue.

Juss Sayin (Greensboro, NC)

How do you think the 88 will do this season?

David Newton

(1:50 PM)

I said this last year and believe it more this year. Junior will win at least two races and make the Chase. After that, it's a matter of who gets hot.

Terry (Jupiter, FL)

Cole Whitt is still without a ride for Speedweeks. Does he have any available options for any of the three touring series for this weekend or this year?

David Newton

(1:50 PM)

Nothing that I've heard of yet.

Kevin (Louisville, KY)

Do you see Kentucky speedway getting a second race anytime soon?

David Newton

(1:51 PM)

No. It was lucky to keep the one it has after the traffic debacle in the first Cup race.

Steve (Da Big Island)

What is your sport of hobby in your so little off time?

David Newton

(1:51 PM)

Lately it's been running. But I love basketball and golf. And does darts with a beer in one hand count?

Lew Dawson (Fort Worth, TX)

Hi David. At non-plate races, the Gen-6 car is reported to have more drag (kess straightline speed) and more downforce (higher cornering speed). I'm worried that some tracks may be flat-out the entire lap (like Daytona and Talladega are), which would de-emphasize setup and driver skill. Your thoughts?

David Newton

(1:52 PM)

Not so worried about that. The one thing drivers have said from Charlotte to Darlington is the car puts control more in their hands again.

Jamerson (Georgia)

Do you think there's a possibility that Kyle Larson is being rushed along too quickly? He was awesome in his truck races last year, but I worry that pushing him to Nationwide hurt his progress as a driver.

David Newton

(1:52 PM)

Not really. He proved worthy of this opportunity last year.

Juss Sayin (Greensboro, NC)

Does Smoke win a 500 this year?

David Newton

(1:53 PM)

As in Daytona 500? Still a crapshoot.

JD (Gainesville, FL)

Wait, the new car is 1500 pounds lighter?! Can that be right?

David Newton

(1:54 PM)

Actually, 150. As I stated already, I hit an extra zero asnwering the question.

Geri (Canada)

Mr. Newton, Cole Whitt is a good driver, why isn't he picked up by someone and does it have to do with Junior or JRM Racing also do you think after the fiasco, Tyler Walker will drive again?

David Newton

(1:55 PM)

On Walker, that didn't help any. I would say he's done. On Whitt, he had a great opportunity last year and fell short of expecations -- which for them was being in the title hunt. Will be interesting to see where he turns up next.

tg (PA)

I thought Landon Cassil left his team because of no funding but now isn't Dave Blaney driving for the same team. Where did the funds come from for him?

David Newton

(1:58 PM)

You mean Reutimann, not Blaney. More to the Cassill story than has been reported.

Lew Dawson (Fort Worth, TX)

Is there any possibility for NASCAR at Circuit of the Americas in the future, or would this be prohibited due to proximity to Texas Motor Speedway?

David Newton

(1:59 PM)

I doubt it. NASCAR doesn't seem in a hurry to add another road course even though they put on the best shows right now.

Tom (Daytona)

All the BS regarding Danica's divorce and some of the comments made in the "comment section" of your article on Danica/Ricky are really too much. If your name is not Paul Hospenthal, you shouldn't care if Danica cheated on him. Period.

David Newton

(1:59 PM)

I appreciate your insight.

David Newton

(2:00 PM)

Thats it for me. Have to rush over to NASCAR school at the R&#x26;D Center. Thanks for putting up with a change in start time. Leaving for Daytona next Wednesday, so the madness begins.